Nail Nipper Device With Catcher

ABSTRACT

A nipper device includes a first handle and a second handle pivotable relative to each other. The nipper includes a jaw with a first blade and an opposing second blade. The first and second blades include linear blade edges, which pivot relative to each other to enable trimming of a nail on a hand and/or a foot. The jaw and the handles are configured so that pivotable movement of the first handle relative to the second handle causes pivotal movement of the first blade relative to the second blade. The jaw blades include cavities located on the interior of the blades. The cavities are configured to collect nail particle trimmings from a user. The cavities function as a catching mechanism (catcher) to collect nail trimmings and prevent them from scattering.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Nonprovisional Utility U.S. Patent Application filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b). This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Design Patent Application 29/832,866, filed Mar. 30, 2022, herein incorporated in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to nipper devices for use in cutting nails. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a nipper device with a catcher for collecting nail trimmings.

2. Description of Related Art

In the field of nail nippers and clippers, the process of nail cutting and trimming often creates a mess of nail trimmings. A user cuts nails using a nipper or clipper but when the nail is cut the trimming can travel a distance away from the device. Further, nail trimmings can travel in unpredictable directions after being cut. Thus, there is a need for a nipper with a catcher mechanism to collect nail trimmings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Nipper devices for cutting nails and collecting nail trimmings are disclosed herein. A nipper device embodiment includes a first handle and a second handle pivotable relative to each other. The nipper further includes a jaw that is coupled to the first and second handles. The jaw includes a first blade and an opposing second blade. The first and second blades include respective linear blade edges, which pivot relative to each other to enable trimming of a nail on a hand and/or a foot. The jaw and the handles are configured such that pivotable movement of the first handle relative to the second handle causes pivotal movement of the first blade relative to the second blade. The jaw blades include cavities located on the interior of the blades. The cavities are configured to collect nail particle trimmings from a user. The cavities function as a catching mechanism (“catcher”) to collect nail trimmings and prevent them from scattering.

Nipper devices can include additional features such as spring mechanisms, serrated edges, and lock mechanisms. Serrated edges on the exterior of the jaw blades enable a user to conduct nail filing. Spring mechanisms can include retention elements and various springs can be employed including roller and barrel springs. Further, a lock mechanism enables the handles to remain in a fixed position with the jaw closed. To unlock the lock mechanism, a user can press inward on the lock to release the handles.

These and other features and advantages will be apparent from reading of the following detailed description and review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and do not restrict aspects as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a nipper device embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a nipper device embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the nipper embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates the first blade of the jaw including a first cavity and a second blade including a second cavity.

FIG. 5 illustrates the nipper in an open position.

FIG. 6 illustrates the nipper in an open position with the spring extended from the first handle to the second handle.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the nipper depicting the open jaw blades.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of another nipper device embodiment with a different spring mechanism and a lock mechanism for the handles.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional rear view of the top of a nipper device with serrated edges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments disclosed are not to be construed as describing limits to the invention, whereas the broader scope of the invention should instead be considered with reference to the claims, which may be now appended or may later be added or amended in this or related applications. Unless indicated otherwise, it is to be understood that terms used in these descriptions generally have the same meanings as those that would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be understood that terms used are generally intended to have the ordinary meanings that would be understood within the context of the related art, and they generally should not be restricted to formal or ideal definitions, conceptually encompassing equivalents, unless and only to the extent that a particular context clearly requires otherwise.

For purposes of these descriptions, a few wording simplifications should also be understood as universal, except to the extent otherwise clarified in a particular context either in the specification or in particular claims. The use of the term “or” should be understood as referring to alternatives, although it is generally used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only, or unless the alternatives are inherently mutually exclusive. Furthermore, unless explicitly dictated by the language, the term “and” may be interpreted as “or” in some instances. When referencing values, the term “about” may be used to indicate an approximate value, generally one that could be read as being that value plus or minus half of the value. “A” or “an” and the like may mean one or more, unless clearly indicated otherwise. Such “one or more” meanings are most especially intended when references are made in conjunction with open-ended words such as “having,” “comprising” or “including.” Likewise, “another” object may mean at least a second object or more. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the use of “may” or “may be” indicates that a modified term is appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while considering that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. “Plurality” is defined as more than one when used to describe a quantity in the specification and claims. Any “examples” of embodiments and components, including dimensions, described herein are considered non-limiting examples.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a nipper device 10 embodiment. The nipper device 10 includes a first handle 101 and a second handle 105. The first handle 101 and second handle 105 are pivotable relative to each other. The nipper 10 further includes a jaw 110 that is coupled to the first and second handles 101, 105. The jaw 110 includes a first blade 111 and an opposing second blade 115. The first blade 111 and second blade 115 of the jaw 110 are pivotable relative to each other. The first and second blades 111, 115 include respective linear blade edges, which pivot relative to each other to enable trimming of a nail on a hand and/or a foot. The first handle 101 is coupled to the first blade 111 and the second handle 105 is coupled to the second blade 115 of the jaw. The jaw 110 and the handles 101, 105 are configured such that pivotable movement of the first handle 101 relative to the second handle 105 causes pivotal movement of the first blade 111 relative to the second blade 115.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a nipper device 10 embodiment. In the nipper embodiment 10 shown, the first handle can also include a spring 130 and a retention element 132. The retention element 132 can be a fastener, a hinge, or another component for retaining the spring 130. According to one embodiment, the first handle 101 is a continuous extension of the first blade 111, while the second handle 115 is a continuous extension of the second blade 105. Each handle 101, 105 includes an arcuate section to facilitate gripping. The first and second handles 101, 105 are pivotally coupled to each other, and are pivotable between open and closed positions. The closed position is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , and corresponds to the first and second blades 111, 115 being positioned together with no separation. The first and second handles 101, 105 are moved away from each other as they transition from the closed position to the open position, with the open position being associated with the first and second blades 111, 115 separated from each other. Thus, the handles 101, 105 and blades 111, 115 are configured such that as the handles 101, 105 are moved toward each other, the blades 111, 115 are also moved toward each other, and conversely, as the handles 101, 105 are moved away from each other, the blades 111, 115 are also moved away from each other.

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the nipper 10 embodiment. The first handle 101 can include a first grip area 125. It should be understood that the left side view is a mirror image of the right side view with the second handle 105. The second handle 105 can include a second grip area 126 (shown in FIG. 1 ). The grip areas 125, 126 can include a coarse surface in contrast to other smooth surfaces on the handles 101, 105 and nipper 10. The grip areas 125, 126 can include a polymer such as rubber or another suitable material for providing sufficient grip. The grip areas 125, 126 can provide comfort for a user's hand in addition to reducing hand slippage.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the first blade 111 of the jaw 110 includes a first cavity 112 and the second blade 115 includes a second cavity 116. The cavities 112, 116 located on the interior of the blades are configured to collect nail particles (“trimmings”) 90 from a user. The cavities function as a catching mechanism (“catcher”) for nail trimmings 90. The catcher cavities are able to hold a large quantity of nail trimmings 90 while a user continues to cut nails. The catcher mechanism is explained in further detail with reference to FIG. 5 .

FIG. 5 illustrates the nipper 10 in an open position. A hinge 120 provides a point of connection between the first handle 101 and the second handle 105. Furthermore, the hinge 120 connects the first handle 101 and the second handle 105 in a way such that the first handle 101 and the second handle 105 are allowed to rotate relative to one another. The hinge 120 may be formed by a small pin, rod, rivet, fastener, etc. The hinge 120 is perpendicularly connected to the first blade 10, wherein a hinge axis traverses along the hinge 120, and the hinge 120 is positioned adjacent to the first handle 101. A user can move the handles 101, 105 to open the jaw blades 111, 115 and close the jaw blades on a nail. The particles of the nail that are removed (trimmings) 90 can then drop into the cavities 112, 116 using gravity to assist.

FIG. 6 illustrates the nipper 10 in an open position with the spring 130 extended from the first handle 101 to the second handle 105. The spring mechanism 130 shown in this nipper 10 embodiment is also known as a “roller” spring 130. A user can rotate the spring 130 toward the second handle 105. While extended, the spring 130 is in operative communication with the first and second handles 101, 105. One end of the spring 130 remains in contact with the first handle 101 while a second end of the spring contacts the second handle 105. The spring 130 is configured to apply a biasing force on the handles 101, 105, which biases the handles toward the open position. The spring 130 is configured to enable the first handle 101 and the second handle 105 to pivot away from each other. To transition the handle 105 from an open position toward a closed position, the biasing force of the spring 130 can be overcome by a gripping force applied by a user's hand.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the nipper 10 depicting the open jaw blades 111, 115. Nail trimmings 90 are collected within the cavities of the jaw blades. Once a user is done trimming nails, the user can invert the nipper 10 and open the jaw blades wide to empty out the nail trimmings 90. By inverting the nipper 10, gravity can assist in removing the trimmings 90.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of another nipper device 20 embodiment with a different spring mechanism 230 and a lock mechanism 240 for the handles 101, 105. The lock 240 enables the handles 101, 105 to remain in a fixed position with the jaw closed. To unlock the lock mechanism 240, a user can press inward on the lock 240 to release the handles 101, 105. Once the handles 101, 105 are released from a locked position, a user can utilize the nipper 20. In this example, the spring mechanism 230 is a “barrel” spring 230. While extended, the spring 230 is in operative communication with the first and second handles 101, 105. The spring 230 is configured to apply a biasing force on the handles 101, 105, which biases the handles toward the open position. The spring 230 is configured to enable the first handle 101 and the second handle 105 to pivot away from each other. To transition the handle 105 from an open position toward a closed position, the biasing force of the spring 230 is overcome by a gripping force applied by a user's hand.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional rear view of the top of a nipper device 10 with serrated edges 140. The first blade 111 includes a plurality of serrated edges 140 for nail filing. Further, the second blade 115 also includes a plurality of serrated edges 140 for nail filing. The serrated edges on the exterior of the jaw blades enable a user to conduct nail filing. Serrated edges are a feature that can be included on various nipper devices within the scope of this invention including the nipper 10 and nipper 20 embodiments.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the hinge 120 may be reversed, such that the upper hinge portion can be attached to the second blade 115 and the second handle 105, and the lower hinge portion can be attached to the first blade 111 and the first handle 101. Further, the spring mechanism may also be reversed, such that the spring 130, 230 can be operatively connected to the second handle 105.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure. 

1. A nipper device comprising: a) a first handle and a second handle, wherein the first handle is pivotable relative to the second handle; b) a jaw coupled to the first and second handles, the jaw including a first blade and a second blade, wherein the second blade is pivotable relative to the first blade; c) the first handle is coupled to the first blade and the second handle is coupled to the second blade; d) the jaw and the handle being configured such that pivotable movement of the first handle relative to the second handle causes pivotal movement of the first blade relative to the second blade; e) the first blade of the jaw includes a first cavity and the second blade includes a second cavity; and f) wherein the cavities of the blades are configured to collect nail trimmings.
 2. The nipper device of claim 1, further comprising: a) the first handle includes a first grip area; and b) the second handle includes a second grip area.
 3. The nipper device of claim 1, further comprising: a) the first blade includes a plurality of serrated edges for nail filing; and b) the second blade includes a plurality of serrated edges for nail filing.
 4. The nipper device of claim 1, further comprising: a) a hinge coupled to the first handle and the second handle; and b) the first handle and the second handle being pivotable about the hinge.
 5. The nipper device of claim 1, further comprising: a) a spring operatively connected to the first handle; b) the spring being configured to impart a biasing force on the first handle and the second handle; and c) the spring being further configured to enable the first handle and the second handle to pivot away from each other.
 6. The nipper device of claim 5, wherein the first handle further includes a retention element configured to retain the spring to the first handle.
 7. The nipper device of claim 5, further comprising: a) a locking mechanism configured to secure the first handle and the second handle together; and b) wherein the spring is a barrel spring.
 8. A nipper device comprising: a) a first handle and a second handle, wherein the first handle is pivotable relative to the second handle; b) a jaw coupled to the first and second handles, the jaw including a first blade and a second blade, wherein the second blade is pivotable relative to the first blade; c) the first handle is coupled to the first blade and the second handle is coupled to the second blade; d) the jaw and the handle being configured such that pivotable movement of the first handle relative to the second handle causes pivotal movement of the first blade relative to the second blade; e) the first blade of the jaw includes a first cavity and the second blade includes a second cavity; f) wherein the cavities of the blades are configured to collect nail trimmings; g) the first handle includes a first grip area; h) the second handle includes a second grip area; i) a spring operatively connected to the first handle; j) the spring being configured to impart a biasing force on the first handle and the second handle; k) the spring being further configured to enable the first handle and the second handle to pivot away from each other; l) the first blade includes a serrated edge for nail filing; m) the second blade includes a serrated edge for nail filing; n) wherein the first handle further includes a retention element configured to retain the spring to the first handle; o) a hinge coupled to the first handle and the second handle; and p) the first handle and the second handle being pivotable about the hinge. 